Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket

Winter months can be unforgiving, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. This is where the Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket, model 2340, steps in as a game-changer. As someone who is always looking for ways to stay warm without compromising on style or comfort, I was eager to try out this innovative piece of wearable technology.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee heated jacket was its craftsmanship. It's made from a durable, water and wind-resistant polyester material that feels robust yet lightweight. The jacket has a sleek, stylish design that doesn't scream "tech gadget," making it suitable for both outdoor activities and casual wear. My jacket was in Milwaukee Red, but it also comes in other colors to suit different tastes.

The jacket features a total of four pockets: two heated lower hand pockets, a chest pocket for your phone or MP3 player, and a pocket for the battery pack. I found the pocket layout practical for everyday use, although I did miss having interior pockets for additional storage.

Heating Elements and Zones

The Milwaukee jacket uses carbon fiber heating elements to provide warmth. These elements are strategically placed in the core zones—right chest, left chest, and back—and in the lower pockets. This ensures that your core and hands stay warm, which is essential for maintaining overall body heat.

One of the standout features is the ability to control the heating zones separately. You can adjust the heat settings for the core and pocket areas independently, which I found incredibly useful. There are three heat settings—High, Medium, and Low—allowing you to customize your comfort level based on the weather conditions.

Performance and Comfort

What impressed me the most was how quickly the jacket heats up. In my experience, it took just about two minutes to start feeling the warmth, which is perfect for those cold mornings when you step outside from a warm building. The heating elements provide a gentle, consistent warmth that doesn't feel overwhelming or uncomfortable.

The jacket itself is quite comfortable to wear. It's not bulky, so you can easily layer it over other clothes without feeling restricted. The battery pack, which is stored in a pocket, is about the size of a small soda can. While it's not incredibly bulky, you can feel its presence, especially if you're moving around a lot. However, for more sedentary activities like watching a game or working at a construction site, it’s hardly noticeable.

Battery Life and Charging

The jacket comes with an M12 REDLITHIUM rechargeable battery and a portable quick charger. The battery life is decent; on the highest setting, it lasted for about two hours, while on the lowest setting, it stretched to nearly six hours. This should be sufficient for most outdoor activities, but if you plan to be outside for extended periods, carrying a spare battery might be a good idea.

Charging the battery is straightforward but a bit slow when using the included USB charger. I ended up using a Milwaukee M12 charger I already owned, which sped up the process considerably. One minor drawback is that the package doesn't include a wall plug, so you'll need to use one from another device or purchase one separately.

Ease of Cleaning

Maintaining the jacket is simple. You need to remove the battery pack and quick charger, tuck the cable inside the jacket pocket, and close it with the zipper. The jacket is machine washable on a gentle cycle with warm water. It can be tumble dried on low heat, but I prefer to hang it to dry to maintain its longevity.

Practicality

The Milwaukee heated jacket is not just about warmth; it's also about convenience. The battery holder features a USB port, allowing you to charge your devices on the go. This is particularly useful if you're outside and your phone battery is running low. However, the trade-off is the added bulk of the battery pack, which can be slightly cumbersome.

Areas for Improvement

While the jacket excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. The battery pack, although not excessively bulky, could be designed to be flatter and more compact. This would make the jacket more comfortable for active use. Additionally, the lack of interior pockets and zippers on the exterior pockets is a minor inconvenience. Finally, the heating elements could benefit from more coverage, particularly in the stomach area and sleeves, to provide a more comprehensive warmth.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee Cordless Heated Jacket is a solid investment for anyone who spends a significant amount of time in cold environments. Its durable construction, efficient heating elements, and practical features make it a standout product in the heated clothing market. The ability to control different heating zones and the quick warm-up time are significant advantages.

However, the battery pack could be more streamlined, and additional heating coverage would make it even better. Despite these minor drawbacks, I would recommend this jacket for its overall performance and the comfort it provides. Whether you're working outdoors, attending a cold-weather event, or simply looking for a reliable way to stay warm, this jacket has got you covered.